Graduating high school seniors and full-time ACC students who must still complete a full year of college coursework before graduating with an Associate in Science or Associate in Arts.

The goal of this program is to assist community college students in making the transition to the university setting. Therefore, students who are admitted to CSTEP are required to participate in program activities and events both at ACC at UNC after transferring.

These events include cultural events, social activities, academic development workshops, professional development workshops, advising sessions, tours of the UNC campus, and campus service activities. The purposes of these activities are to help the student develop leadership skills, social skills, and academic skills. These skills will provide the student with a greater potential for success at UNC and in his/her professional life. Students admitted to the program will sign an agreement committing themselves to full participation in these activities. 

Admission to UNC is contingent on participation of above activities along with completion of the Associates in Arts or Science degree at ACC with at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA within a two year time frame. There will be required course-work as specified by your CSTEP advisor based on your degree. Failure to meet these requirements will result in the student not being admitted to UNC.

While at ACC, CSTEP students are expected to conduct themselves with honor and integrity. Any cheating, plagiarism, or misconduct by a student in the program may result in dismissal from the program and loss of the guarantee of admission to UNC.

There are two application deadlines:

April 1

Any high school senior graduating in the Spring should apply by April 1st. Current ACC students who will be spending at least one more year at ACC may also apply during this period. All applicants will be notified of UNC’s decision by late April.

October 1

This is a second application deadline for current ACC students who may have recently heard about the CSTEP program or decided that the CSTEP program I is a good fit for them.  Only applicants with fewer than 30 credit hours at the end of the fall semester will be considered. Students must have one full year at ACC remaining at time of application.   All applicants will be notified of UNC’s decision by late October.